Discover the Bordeaux region and Bordeaux wines with your dog
Explore the Bordeaux wine region and discover the secrets of its world-renowned wines with your dog. Here are the must-see places along the Bordeaux wine routes to visit with your canine companion.
Do you want to explore the region of your favorite fine and exceptional wines with your dog? This article is here to help!
The Bordeaux region is one of the oldest fine wine-producing areas in the world, and still produces some of the best wines today . World-renowned appellations are located in the Bordeaux region: Médoc, Graves, Sauternes, Entre-Deux-Mers, Libournais and Blayais-Bourgeais.
In this article, I've found some great places to visit, vineyards, and restaurants where you can immerse yourself in the rich wine culture of the Bordeaux region , all while keeping your dog by your side! Let's explore Bordeaux with your dog!
Summary
Practical Memo
Where to stay in the Bordeaux region with my dog? I recommend one of these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for a stay with your dog in the Bordeaux vineyards.
Hotel Atena Bordeaux
🐶 Warm welcome and large green spaces 🌳
Ferret Estate
With DogFriendly restaurant and walks nearby
Ibis Styles Bordeaux Lac
With a beach authorized for dogs!
Clos Marcamps Guest House
Natural site with pond 5 minutes walk away!
Camping Le Village Western
🐴 Life-Size Western Theme!
Camping and unusual lodging at the lake
Lakefront accommodations 🌿
Find other dog-friendly accommodations in the Bordeaux region through these platforms. However, they are not QUALIDOG certified, so it's best to let them know you'll be bringing your dog 😉
- 🚗 Rent a car
- 🚐 Rent a campervan
- 🚙 Find a carpool
- ???? Find train tickets : arrival at Bordeaux Saint-Jean TGV station
- ✈️ Find a flight : arrival at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport
Please note that it will be easier for you to visit the Bordeaux vineyards with your own vehicle 😉
- Never give your dog grapes or alcohol; these foods are dangerous for him! 🍇❌
- You may need a backpack for carrying your dog, particularly during visits authorized only for small dogs carried.
- In summer, it can get very hot in the vineyards of Gironde. If possible, don't bring your dog; otherwise, make sure it stays cool, for example with a... effective cooling accessory.
The best dog-friendly Bordeaux wine shops
Between the vineyards, guided tours, and excellent restaurants, you'll discover all the subtleties of Bordeaux wines during your wine tourism experience with your dog . Here are a few QUALIDOG-certified establishments run by passionate individuals , dedicated not only to their region and the vintage wines they offer, but also to welcoming your canine companions with open arms!
In the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the prestigious Château Latour-Martillac wine estate welcomes you and your dog for the entire visit, from the vineyard to the tasting . The vat room and cellar are accessible to dogs outside of harvest and agricultural periods, to avoid any risk of contamination.
🐕 You can come with up to 2 dogs, including categorized breeds , per visit!
🍷 The Kressmann family has been producing Grands Crus Classés for several generations , both white and red.
- The boat trips with Arca Ferret, on the Arcachon Basin
Set sail on the Arcachon Bay for a guided tour on traditional Arca Ferret boats 🛥️ Authentic boats designed to help you discover the secrets of the bay while enjoying the best food and wine pairings in the region 🍷 Always in the company of your dog, of course!
🐕 The company accepts one dog per excursion, regardless of size, excluding certain breeds. On sunny days, a shady spot is even reserved for your dog!
🛟 You are simply asked to bring a life jacket for your dog , in order to guarantee its safety as well as that of the other passengers.
- Le Bistrot Le Saint-Jeanin Bordeaux
Located between Bordeaux train station and the Garonne riverbanks, Bistrot Le Saint-Jean delights diners with its local, homemade, counter-style cuisine , complemented by a carefully curated wine list . Pets are welcome, and the staff will greet you with a bowl of water and even a small, special treat!
🐕🐈 All dogs and other small pets (cats, rabbits…) are welcome, up to 3 per table!
🥐🥘 From breakfast to dinner, you can share a gourmet meal at Saint-Jean, accompanied by your pets!
Just a stone's throw from Bordeaux and on the shores of a lake, the Bar Restaurant Lago is a must-visit for discovering Bordeaux wines , complementing generous and varied dishes . This dog-friendly restaurant is located at the foot of the Ibis Styles Bordeaux Lac hotel , which also holds the QUALIDOG label, making it ideal for a complete stay with your furry friend!
🐕 Your dogs can accompany you to restaurants and hotels without any limit on the number of dogs, except for breeds classified as dangerous . Simply inform the staff in advance of the number and size of your dogs so they can make the necessary adjustments.
🍕 Homemade pizzas, tapas to share and weekly menus with a good wine paired with your dish to immerse yourself in Bordeaux culture!
Some culinary specialties to try during your stay in the Bordeaux region:
- Oysters from the Arcachon Basin
- Aquitaine caviar
- Fish from the mouth of the Gironde: elver (an eel from the Gironde estuary), lamprey cooked Bordelaise style with red wine, leeks and raw ham.
- Bazas beef with Bordelaise sauce (also called Entrecôte with red wine sauce)
- Pan-fried porcini mushrooms with parsley and garlic
- Pauillac lamb
- The canelé
- Saint-Emilion macarons
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Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts
Cult visits in the Bordeaux region with your dog
From the historic center of Bordeaux to the Arcachon Basin, there are many worthwhile visits to continue exploring the Bordeaux wine region with your dog.
Among the must-see sites:
- le historic center of Bordeaux Passing through with Musher, this visit fascinated me. Between the numerous sculpted faces called mascarons, the inscriptions carved in stone, the Girondins monument, the 18th-century Grand Théâtre, the Place de la Bourse facing Bordeaux's famous Water Mirror, and the Garonne riverbanks, a walk with your dog promises to be wonderful! It's also an opportunity to chat with locals and have a drink at the dog-friendly bars and bistros mentioned above.
- le Bordeaux Wine and Trade MuseumLocated in the Chartrons district, this tour accepts dogs! It traces the history of the wine trade in Bordeaux before ending with a tasting in the iconic vaulted cellars.
- le village of Saint-Émilion World-renowned for its red wines in the Libournais wine region, Saint-Émilion was the first area to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its exceptionally rich vineyard landscapes. The medieval village is also well worth a visit and is very dog-friendly! You can take your dog to explore the underground heritage of Saint-Émilion, which includes four monuments carved into the limestone. Dogs are also welcome at the Cloître des Cordeliers, where vintage Crémants are slowly maturing. Finally, admire (from the outside) the impressive 4th-century Romanesque and Gothic Collegiate Church of Saint-Émilion.
- la Citadel of Blaye Dominating the Gironde Estuary across 38 hectares, this fortified town retains the imprint of Vauban's 17th-century military architecture. It once defended Bordeaux against invasions. In April, it hosts the Blaye Wine Festival, with events, meetings, and tastings organized by the winemakers of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.
- the unmissable Dune of Pilat Quite simply, the highest dune in Europe, with over 100m in height and 2,7km in length! Let's just say you'll be working your cardio and your calves! Your dog can romp on a leash on the dune, but it is forbidden on the beach at its foot.
- the vineyards, wine estates and pine forests of the Médoc Between walks and visits, this part of the Bordeaux region offers a very dog-friendly wine tourism experience. We have created a 7-day itinerary for visiting the Médoc with your dog You can follow the program day by day or pick and choose activities from it!
👧 Do you have children? Try the Tèrra Aventura geocaching trails , a fun way to discover the region as a family with your dog. Several trails focus on wine, allowing you to learn even more!
🏖️ You can also take a detour to a dog-friendly beach between the Gironde Estuary and the Arcachon Basin , the sunsets there are splendid!
Note : the famous Cité du Vin in Bordeaux does not allow dogs, but it's an unmissable wine-related visit in the region 😉
I hope this article has given you plenty of ideas for exploring the Bordeaux region with your dog , and understanding the secrets of its internationally renowned wines!
For your stay, I recommend opting for accommodation with the QUALIDOG label , so that you and your dog are truly welcomed from beginning to end.
Have you ever visited the Bordeaux region with your dog? What were your favorite experiences, and what recommendations would you share with the community? Leave your comments below, I'd love to hear them!
* ⚠️ Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
